TWENTY six runners from Tavistock travelled to the north devon coast to run in the 23rd Bideford Half, known as the swift half because of its flatish course and opportunity for fast times.

Many of the Tavistock runners were undertaking their debut’s at the distance. Incredibly many of them had graduated through the Tavy Joggers Couch to 5k programme less than a year before and under the fine coaching of Sheila Houghton and Tony Shearer had progressed so well that they were ready to undertake their next huge steps.

For the Tavistock club it was a race of great success in many areas, Jim Cole returned to winning ways and cruised to victory, Ben Neale was fourth overall, Martin Exley-Deane, first veteran 55, Tracey Oxborough second vet 50, David Twine third vet 60, fourth mens’ team and fourth veteran ladies’ team. But most of all it was the success of the Tavistock debutants succeeding on the next part of their life changing journey.

Full results. Jim Cole 1, (1hour 11 minutes 20 seconds); Ben Neale 4th.(1.15.34), Martin Exley-Deane, 60th, first V55 (1.24.46); David Twine 219th, third V60 (1.38.15); Jason Shipton 264th (1.40.38); Tracey Oxborough 278th, second V50 (1.41.59); Pete Bazley 300th (1.42.36); Tracyann Cole 301st (1.42.40); Cathy Dunlop 409th (1.47.14); Jonathan Cowell 421st (1.46.50); Emma Dooney 488th (1.51.08); Paul Marshall 630th, (1.56.56); 665th Kate Rogers (1.56.50); John Windemer 684th (1.58.41); Amanda Warnett 779th; (2.03.06); Richard Nettleship 920th (2.11.09); Danielle James 924, (2.11.22); Maarit Green 959th (2.13.22); Anita Cawley 964th (2.14.11); Dene Medland 981st (2.16.52); Tony Shearer 982nd (2.16.52); Ian Jones 986th (2.16.17); Emma Webber 1048th (2.22.49); Kevin Elliot 1,115th (2.32.07); Emma Craig 1,128th (2.35.17); Sarah Prior 1,139th (2.35.27).